White River Township Fire Protection District

 

Pre-Meeting Report for August 1, 2006

 

Compiled July 27, 2006

 

 

 

 

  1. Due to the proximity of the end of the month to the board meeting date, month-end financial reports will not be available prior to the meeting.  We will make every attempt to have the reports completed in time for the 7pm meeting commencement on August 1st.

 

  1. The State Board of Accounts has begun their audit of the Fire Protection District.  They are auditing 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005.  Typically these are done every two years, however they have gotten way behind and now have a goal to get everyone caught up by the end of the year.  We have been working with them over the past two weeks obtaining records and other items needed.  We have established a great working relationship with the two auditors and have gained invaluable information and insight during the process so far.  Because the State Board of Accounts is so far behind, the auditors are working a lot of overtime.  The two auditors assigned to our case have since been pulled to go to Ivy Tech to begin their audit (which takes nine months to complete!)  So, according to their supervisor, it may be several more months before ours is completed.  Once competed however, they will meet with the Chief, me, and at least one board member for an exit interview.

 

  1. No new news on the Task Force One agreement at this time.  Per request of the board at last month’s meeting, the topic will not be included on the agenda unless new details become available before the next meeting.

 

  1. The pre-build meeting with Towers Fire Apparatus took place last week regarding the replacement of Engine 54.  The two-and-a-half hour meeting went extremely well and everything is now set for construction to begin.  No delays or problems are anticipated or expected at this time.

 

  1. The Station 52 project is still moving along as planned and continues to remain on budget.  The ceiling grid was installed and interior finish work has commenced.  Floor tile was being installed yesterday.  We have however received another complaint from the neighbors (to the south) regarding the condition of the exterior landscape.  The architects have been in contact with the contractor who has been given a directive to begin exterior clean-up and landscaping as soon as possible.  As soon as this work gets under way, we will begin work to restore the southwest corner of the property to its original or better condition.  Currently, there are trees, underbrush, and other debris that has accumulated in that area over the years and is in need of attention.  Most of the labor and equipment will be donated to complete this portion of the project.

 

  1. The Station 51 project is still moving along on schedule as well.  Basement backfill is currently underway and all footings are now in place.  The next on-site progress meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday, August 2nd at 10:30am.  Senefeld and Associates will be on hand at the meeting for a more detailed update.

 

  1. Recall that this meeting will serve as the official approval meeting for the 2007 budget.

 

  1. The department is continuing to work with a local real estate agent on the northwest district property.  There currently is one sale in progress in the development identified last month as the most ideal location.  As soon as the sale completes we will bring that information back to the board.  In the meantime, we are attempting to gather other comparables in the same general area for further review.  No discussion at the meeting is anticipated or requested at this time.

 

  1. As in years past, the department has held back on major capital outlays until the second half of the fiscal year in case of a substantial unexpected expense that would require cancellation of any one project.  This year, in addition to the planned capital outlays, the department is anticipating some additional un-budgeted projects.  These projects vary from ones already approved by the board up to and including wish-list items that have come up since the end of last year.  A recap of these projects is included below that currently totals $663,613.00.  This list is included here just to make the board aware of these projects.  No discussion is anticipated at this time.

 

    1. 2003 and 2004 audit of the former volunteer corporation - $10,000
    2. Unpaid bill from former volunteer corporation for Booster Club mailings - $9,000
    3. Additional capital required above the 2003 Fire Loan amount for the Station 52 project - $76,393
    4. Station 52 workshop area cut from the original room addition project - $4,900
    5. Additional mini barn for Strawberry Festival storage and screen wall repair at Station 53 - $8,000
    6. Station 53 sewer connection - $100,000
    7. Additional capital required above the 2005 Fire Loan amount for the Station 51 project - $350,000
    8. Fire sprinkler system for the Station 52 room addition project - $9,000
    9. Garage structure for small vehicles and trailers at Station 53 - $85,000
    10. Quantitative SCBA mask fit testing unit - $10,000
    11. Garrison Flag for honor guard unit - $1,320

 

  1. That’s all for this month.  See everyone at the meeting.

 

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 5th, 2006.

 

- Scott